The History of the SS

by G.S. Graber

This hardback book "History of the SS" is pre-owned and is in good condition. It is 1978. The dust cover has wear with some tears. This was a Book Club edition. The pages have deckle edges. I do not see markings in the book but I did not look at each page.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, World War II, Military Fiction, Holocaust, Military History, War

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[✨Bean's Books✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great treasure trove of historical information here. The book tells of the rise and fall of the SS in general terms and centered (mostly) around Heinrich Himmler (Hitler's 2nd in Command and Chief of the German Police). This is written in an interesting and easy to follow narrative with great information throughout. Definitely recommend!

[Eddy · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting read, spoilt slightly where the author equates some of the aims of the SS with similar aims of eg organic farming proponents without apparently noting that the methods and ideology are totally different. However, a good analysis of the main movers and shakers in the SS and how they operated, with some discussion about just how the organisation was able to perform such evil acts on such a scale.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apesar dos seus quase 45 anos, é um livro que nos transporta para a realidade interior dos criadores de campos de trabalho e de concentração com objetivos de soluções finais.
É cru, forte e uma prova da realidade.
Pesquisas muito bem feitas e estruturadas.

[John Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of the SS, which started off as Hitler's personal body guard, is also necessarily the story of Heinrich Himmler, its head. As Hitler's loyal henchman Himmler presided over this elite force which was to grow like topsy to rival in size and power the Wehrmacht (army) itself.

“Intensely interesting” as one reviewer sums it up on the back cover of the book. I wouldn't disagree. It is also very readable.

[Aubrey Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad that I picked up this book for background info as an author. I think we all make our assumptions about this topic but for those really interested in "the whole story" there is a lot more to know. It is well written in narrative form and the author occasionally injects some needed levity into a heavy subject.

[Billy Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book published about 30 years past WW II yet provided the account as though it were yesterday. Many stories told that we may have never heard in our brief knowledge of the atrocities and crimes of Hitler's Death squads.

Three very small communities were mentioned that this regime was responsible for killing every man, woman and child within. Upon that despicable act, the homes and buildings were burned to the ground. One such community has reserved the devastated area for viewing to this day. In their remembrance you can seek these past communities (some rebuilt) on line and see photos before and after their historic demise. Fascinating!

During my reading, friends asked how this could have happened in a civilized world. Having much research, one still has difficulty in such a response. However we are convinced not to let these events occur ever again.

[Asma · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read. So informative.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very concise and well written book on the SS and Himmler in particular. There are a few shocking errors which do detract from it though, firstly it states that Erhard Auer was assassinated in 1919, two years before the event and later that the prospective SS soliders gained their collar patches and SS passbook on Hitler's birthday... the 30th April!

I have the third printing of this edition (1982) and can only think this was sloppy proofreading since, other than these rather glaring errors, the material is top notch and has opened my eyes as a amateur historian on this period quite a bit.

As I cannot see the author making these errors I am still going to give this top marks. Highly compelling and intelligently written.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books that go into details and give you a picture of the subject-in this case the SS. It amazed me how incompetent these people were. It shows that the politicians (sp?) can screw up anything-including a war. If it was left to the army-WWII probably would have been much different. My opinion after reading several books about the Nazi's and their leaders.

[Asher Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eminently Readable

[Sean Docherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well researched and written book - Himmler is always a little overlooked in general WWII book's that I've read so this is a good introduction to the role he had within the SS.